SME Media Center

SME Announces Black Horse, LLC as One of its Inaugural Corporate Members

Black Horse looks to SME to provide development opportunities to employees

(HOUSTON, Texas – March 15, 2016) – SME, an organization dedicated to serving the manufacturing industry by promoting advanced manufacturing technology and developing a skilled workforce is pleased to announce Black Horse, LLC, as one of its first corporate members.

Black Horse, a Houston manufacturer and joint venture between Caterpillar, Inc., and Ariel Corporation, provides well service pressure pumping products for the oil and natural gas industry. Black Horse is one of three companies, including General Motors Co. and ROMAC Supply Company, Inc. that have joined SME as inaugural corporate members.

“Employee development is a universal gap across manufacturing and we are looking to SME to provide proven skill growth opportunities for our employees,” said Kyle Michalek, CMfgT, Operations manager of Black Horse. “We are also looking to gain better access to technical manufacturing publications and connect with leading industry resources and solutions related to both manufacturing and supply chain performance to reduce total cost and improve lean practices.”

SME today announced the rollout of its corporate membership program, which is a new offering to manufacturing companies. SME’s corporate membership connects companies to tens of thousands of professionals within the SME network who come from all disciplines of manufacturing, and are committed to cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Additionally, these companies’ employees will have access to all SME membership benefits, including SME’s training, events, research, and publications.

“Several Black Horse employees hold SME certifications and we’re also an active customer of Tooling U-SME,” added Matt Hilgendorf, CMfgT, Supplier Development and Quality manager. “We have seen the value in SME’s current offerings, and as corporate members, we anticipate seeing increased employee development and engagement, as well as assistance in completing research and networking with other manufacturers.”

SME’s corporate membership has two options: supporting and premier. Each option offers access to research, publications, networking opportunities, publications, and training. For companies with very specific challenges, the premier membership is designed to offer a tailored membership to meet specific needs of the manufacturer, whether that may be related to workforce, technology, or other key industry issues.

About SMESME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a non-profit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, governments and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for the industry. Follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

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If you have questions about the press release or need additional information, please contact SME Public Relations at communications@sme.org.